subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matternext
as in topic
the information or ideas that are discussed or dealt with in a book, movie, etc.; what something is about I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. The magazine's editors care more about style than about subject matter. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subject matter With their unusual production style and intriguing subject matter, many of these songs point to far better versions of themselves. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 While the subject matter shifted from bank robberies to art heists, the essence of the character as an effortlessly cool, independent wealthy titan of industry who stole for the thrill of it remained the same. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 July 2026 But given the profundity of her subject matter and the near-universal awe her art inspires, perhaps this sense of futility gestures at the incomprehensible, even transcendent aura around Petviashvili’s works. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026 The subject matter feels woefully modern, culminating in Brian trying to convince a literal mob of his progressive credentials. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
  1. topic
  2. content
  3. theme
  4. subject
  5. motif
  6. motive
  7. purpose
  8. matter
Noun
  • One of the topics tackled was how to reach next-generation Disney fans with next-generation content formats to keep the company’s many franchises relevant to Gen Alpha and beyond.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • At a session on a recent weekday morning, the topic of the day was trust.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • The publication was projected to spend about $400,000 this year on subscription services for content that appears on its pages, records show.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Fox News invested in bonus content online via Fox Nation, a streaming service attempting to supplement the network’s 24/7 red meat with documentary and entertainment programming with a patriotic bent.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of content
Noun
  • For Garfield, the story’s themes of nature, imagination and community feel especially timely as technology increasingly shapes everyday life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Like, listening to the song, no one’s thinking about this theme of losing childhood joy and all these darker themes.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • West’s pregnancy became the subject of a legal battle after Rumi received his diagnosis, according to a July statement of interest filed in Alaska and reviewed by PEOPLE.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The correspondence that followed was equally persuasive, laying out the subjects the person identifying themselves as Gross intended to discuss with him, demonstrating what appeared to be deep, actual knowledge of Vilanch’s work.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of subject
Noun
  • Andy Burnham got the famous Manchester worker bee logo inked on his arm while mayor of the city and this shirt has that very same motif scattered all over it.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design sheds the current generation’s swoopier and more angular aesthetic for a blocky motif and front and rear LED strips.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Her motive wasn’t a major part of the trial, but evidence presented by the prosecution suggested her relationship with her in-laws had deteriorated.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Suspicious and revelatory, today’s moon in Scorpio is deeply attuned to hidden motives, subtext and all that is lingering beneath the surface.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • Officers have been accused of using the technology to track people in their families and personal lives rather than for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Its sturdy purpose is to guide and tow larger vessels through locks and busy lanes.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • People who hold more senior positions in the system, or who have access to confidential information, generally have tighter restrictions placed upon them, according to several sources familiar with the matter and open government announcements.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • City spokesperson Brian Chasnoff told the San Antonio Current that the ballot structure for the bond program has not been determined and the city council will be briefed on the matter in September.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity
subject matter
subject matters
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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

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